72°
Winemaking is an art form. And like all art, winemaking needs people with talent and passion to take it from good to great. Niner Wine Estates is a west coast boutique winery with an artist at the helm, winemaker Amanda Cramer. This week, Amanda is in Fairfield County to launch Niner Wines in Connecticut, and she graciously agreed to sit down with me to talk about wine, grapes and the chemistry behind a great glass.
I started out as a math major, Amanda laughs. Then I took this course as an undergrad, Introduction to Wines of the World, and I kind of got hooked. Shes as humble as she is affable. This summer, she was named Winemaker of the Year at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. When I ask her about the accolade, she smiles with her entire, suntanned face, but says only, That was very cool. I never expected it.
Niner Wine Estates is run by Greenwich residents Pam and Dick Niner, who also have a home in Wyoming and spend plenty of time at their Paso Robles winery. We really focus on control and quality, says Dick. Were a small operation, but from the growing of the grapes to the harvesting to the winemaking, we do it all. Were an estate winery.
Being an estate winery means that nothing is outsourced. They grow the grapes, they harvest them, they sort them and they oversee the entire process from sun-ripened fruit on the vine to luscious wine in your glass.
The Niners have entrusted their operation and the wines they produce to Amanda. A smart move. In addition to her Winemaker of the Year award, Amandas Fog Catcher Bordeaux Blend earned a double gold medal in the same competition. Its my favorite of the wines weve made.
Amanda has adopted teachings and techniques she learned working for some of the most exclusive winemakers and labels in the business, from Australia to Chile to Napa Valley. Her very first job in the wine business was with the lauded Napa Valley Far Niente Winery. She went on to work with the esteemed winemaker, Heidi Barrett, the oenologist genius behind many wines, including the coveted Screaming Eagle.
Bringing their wine to Connecticut was important to the Niners. This is home, says Dick. Even though we live elsewhere part of the time, Greenwich is home.
Gathering Harvests of Westport is solely responsible for distributing the award-winning Niner Wines in Connecticut. Want to get your hands on some? Call their office at 203-557-3310 to find out more about local retailers and restaurants serving up some of the best wines you probably havent tasted yet.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
